Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A key hearing in the murder case of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is set to begin on Monday in Utah, where prosecutors will try to show there is enough evidence to put the accused on trial and pursue the death penalty. The five-day preliminary hearing is expected to be the most significant presentation of evidence in the case so far.
The hearing will also be the first time Kirk’s parents and widow are in the courtroom with the accused, Tyler Robinson. Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder in the September 10 killing of Kirk at Utah Valley University. He surrendered to police a day after the shooting.
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Prosecutors have alleged that Robinson confessed in a note left for his roommate, who was also his romantic partner. According to prosecutors, the note said, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” They have also said Robinson texted his roommate that he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred”.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea, and his lawyers have not commented on whether he is guilty or innocent. They have, however, tried to have the death penalty removed as a possible punishment, but without success so far. The proceeding will resemble a mini-trial, though prosecutors only need to show there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk. That standard is lower than at a trial, where guilt must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
State District Judge Tony Graf will decide after the hearing whether there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial. Prosecutors have said they plan to present DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon, along with testimony from investigators, autopsy findings, witness statements and video of Kirk’s killing. They are also expected to argue that the shooting put others at danger during Kirk’s campus event, which could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law. Prosecutors are allowed to use hearsay during the hearing, and Robinson’s roommate is not expected to testify in person, though the roommate’s recorded testimony could play a key role.
Before his death, Kirk and the organisation he co-founded, Turning Point USA, helped mobilise young conservative voters in support of Trump’s second term. Trump has said he hopes Robinson receives the death penalty. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, said at his memorial service that she forgives Robinson, and she is expected to attend the hearing through the week along with Kirk’s parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk. The hearing is set to determine whether the case moves ahead to a full trial.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
